"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty?" Lord Hrym questioned, clearly caught off-guard at the sudden change in demeanor.
"Do not attempt to play coy with me, Lord Hrym," Loki replied, lifting the parchment. "These are not the prices per barrel which had been agreed upon in the last draft of the agreement. In fact, they are rather significantly higher."
"Ah, aye, well-"
"Did you think to play me for a fool?"
Oh, Thor knewthatparticular tone and look. 'Twas the one which always told him he was in far greater trouble than he realized, and that the worst was yet to come. It also told him Loki was seeking his pleasure from Lord Hrym himself, rather than from the reaction of the audience. He did not doubt his brother would savor it as well, but the main focus in this case was elsewhere. The way that green gaze was focused solely on Lord Hrym told Thor that much for certain.
"Nay, Your Majesty! I would never," Lord Hrym protested vehemently, raising his hands as if in surrender. "Múspellsheimr would never treat a king of Ásgarðr thus."
"Ha!" Lord Óðr snorted, softly. "They would trample us if they thought they could."
"Then what is the meaning of this?" Loki demanded, waving the black parchment in the air again.
"An unfortunate reality, zisa has become more expensive to acquire and those costs must be passed on. Zisa is simply more expensive than it used to be."
"Is it now?"
Despite himself, Thor could not help but enjoy watching his brother draw the eldþursar in, slowly making Lord Hrym dig himself further and further into a hole. He hated it when Loki turned it on him, and he somehow tended not to see it half the time while it was happening, but 'twas actually rather beautiful to behold as a spectator.
"Aye," Lord Hrym confirmed confidently, seeming to calm as he said it.
Which meant Loki was about to land his next blow.
His brother did not disappoint.
"From Múspellsheimr, mayhap," Loki replied, leaning back on Hliðskjálf once more, seeming to allow some of his attention to drift.
"Excuse me?" Lord Hrym questioned, obviously confused.
"I merely point out yours is not the only Realm which possesses zisa. Niðavellir does too, and 'tis unlikely the reasons behind the increase in costs of acquiring zisa on Múspellsheimr would apply there," Loki explained.
"Why were we not speaking to Niðavellir about zisa if they have it?" Thor asked.
"The dökkálfar view it as beneath them to acquire it," Lord Óðr replied, throwing a confused look at Lord Aðalgrímr. "They do not wish to do so when they have far better things to sell."
Rather than reply, Lord Aðalgrímr held up a finger, not removing his gaze from Loki.
"The dökkálfar do not sell zisa for export," Lord Hrym stated, echoing Lord Óðr. "They obtain only what they themselves require."
"Aye, ordinarily," Loki agreed, amicably. "As part of a larger trade agreement pertaining to the creation and supply of weapons, however..."
"Brilliant," one of the lords who had taken part in the previous negotiations murmured.
Thor glanced over at the man and also noticed the pleased smile on Lord Aðalgrímr's face. It reminded him of the one General Týr would sport when he himself managed a feat based on the man's previous tutelage. Thor was surprised at how much he enjoyed witnessing his brother receive it as well.
Then Lord Aðalgrímr's face fell into a far more neutral expression. Thor glanced back to find Loki's attention had turned their way.
"Lord Aðalgrímr," his brother began. "Please inform Lord Birgir to add the need for zisa into our requests from Niðavellir."
"Of course, My King," Lord Aðalgrímr immediately replied.
"King Loki, Your Majesty," Lord Hrym cut in. "Please, that will not be necessary, Múspellsheimr can supply Ásgarðr."
"Aye, but for quite a steep price."
"It can be negotiated."
"It already was, then you altered it, claiming increases in costs," Loki retorted. "Ergo, I repeat, do you think to play me as a fool?"
"Your Ma-"
"Or is this how Múspellsheimr now treats those it trades with?"
Thor had to admit to being rather fascinated with how the flames on Lord Hrym's person were sputtering and flaring almost uncontrollably right now. It meant even he could see how nervous and near panicked the representative was.
"Sixty-five a barrel," Lord Hrym stated. "As previously agreed."
Loki made the same hand gesture as he had when dismissing the ladies earlier. His contempt for the offer was rather clear.
"Múspellsheimr must be badly off if 'tis truly the cost of growing and harvesting zisa, as I know for a fact what little we produce on Ásgarðr costs forty for a barrel," Loki declared.
Thor glanced over at Lord Óðr and the man inclined his head, a rather startled look on his face.
How had his brother known that?
"'Tis different," Lord Hrym argued. "Obtained and harvested solely for Ásgarðr with no mind for profit."
"'Tis not so different," Loki countered. "And, at the previous negotiations, 'twas claimed the price then was due to a temporary interruption in your ability to harvest the zisa. Combined with this, I must wonder if your supply is quite as stable as you claim. Ásgarðr could ill afford to unexpectedly be left without, if 'tis not."
"We have never failed to deliver before!" Lord Hrym protested, indignant.
"Hmm," Loki agreed.
"Sixty per barrel."
A snort beside him made Thor glance over to see the lady who had informed Loki of the deal turning away with a wicked grin on her face. Thor had to admit, his brother's unimpressed face was rather a sight to behold.
A blast of cold suddenly made Thor shiver, and he saw others react as well while Lord Hrym's flames sputtered and died in places, revealing a mottled pinky black skin underneath. It looked like the skin of a person who had burned to death.
"Fifty," Loki countered.
"Your-"
"And I will not inform the All-Father of what Múspellsheimr and Queen Sinmara attempted to do here today."
This time Thor was the one who had to fight back a smile, as 'twas a trick he recognized well from personal experience. His brother did not need to inform Father for Father to learn of it, there were plenty of other witnesses present, all of whom would gladly do so, himself included.
"Your Majesty, please," Lord Hrym attempted, and Thor wanted to shake his head. Appeals to his brother's better nature never failed to do anything but annoy Loki. "Fifty-five a barrel."
"We shall consider it and reply in due course," Loki finally replied, after a moment of silence.
'Twas clearly meant to be dismissive and even Thor felt half insulted, and 'twas not even aimed at him.
"King Loki, if I may beg your indulgence, when might you know?" Lord Hrym inquired.
A glance in their direction and Lord Aðalgrímr stepped forward.
"We are due to hear from Lord Birgir later today," the head diplomat stated. "If he returns to Niðavellir immediately, we would be able to learn what they would be willing to offer as a price by late tomorrow."
"You could come back two days hence," Loki said as he turned back to Lord Hrym.
No offer of hospitality, no invitation to join the evening's feast. 'Twas quite clear how his brother intended for his message to be received. Or that Loki did not mean to allow Múspellsheimr's aggressive moves to pass unpunished. Lord Hrym's flames, which had pulled in tight when the temperature of Valaskjálf had plummeted so dramatically, flared once before deflating.
"Very well, fifty per barrel," the eldþursar offered.
"With all of the terms and conditions already previously decided?" Loki checked.
"Aye."
Rather than reply, Loki rose and indicated a table set off to the right of Hliðskjálf from Thor's perspective. 'Twas where Father would oft sign symbolic legislation, or which could hold objects of significance during royal visits or celebratory events which took place in Valaskjálf. Thor could only recall it being used for this purpose once or twice, but he could understand his brother's desire to see this particular agreement signed as quickly as possible.
He watched as Lord Aðalgrímr and the other negotiators moved forwards towards the table as well, but decided to remain back. Diplomacy had never been his strength and he did not wish to accidentally interfere, not now of all times. Instead, Thor chose to reflect on the situation. If Múspellsheimr had been this quick to try and take advantage of his brother, then there was little doubt they would have attempted the same with him should Father have fallen to the Óðinnsleep soon after his coronation, as likely would have transpired given recent events. So, the question was, how would he have reacted to it?
Thor winced at the thought. He had learned enough about himself recently to know it would not have been well. If the events with Jötunheimr had not occurred, he knew he would likely have responded to Múspellsheimr's aggressive actions with demands which, had they not been met, would have escalated to orders to simply 'take' what Ásgarðr needed. It would have been a glorious battle to him, allowing him to demonstrate - both to Ásgarðr and the rest of the Nine - his own skill as a warrior, and his ability and willingness to lead his warriors in battle.
Well, either that or he would have fallen for Lord Hrym's initial ploy and then demanded satisfaction for his lost honor, which would likely have escalated to the same. Lady Jane's horrified face as he spoke of some of his old exploits flashed before his eyes and he felt quite ashamed of himself.
It would not have been what Ásgarðr needed of its king, he could see that now, much as he still longed for the thrill and glory of battle. But perhaps there were other, nobler pursuits for those desires? There were, after all, regular excursions from outside the Nine attempting to gain a foothold within the Yggdrasill, often through Nornheimr. Mayhap 'twas time to see whether all remained well there. Ásgarðr could not afford any more surprises.
Or, well, if he had his usual strength and power, it would be time. The thought he might need to inform General Týr so someone else could be sent left a bad taste in Thor's mouth but, if 'twas what was necessary for the good of Ásgarðr, then he would do it.
A sudden commotion made Thor look up and 'twas right in time to witness some flames dim and fade away. A few steps closer showed him they had come from the black parchment and the lack of reaction from Loki, Lord Hrym or any of Ásgarðr's diplomats led Thor to believe this might be a normal part of signing an official Múspellsheimrian document. Those were oft steeped in seiðr, which could have all manner of side effects.
Now, his brother's demeanor changed, not so drastically as to be obviously fake, but offers for chambers and dinner were made, though they were politely declined, ostentatiously in favor of ensuring the supply of zisa was restored to Ásgarðr immediately, but Thor knew better. He had been on the wrong end of his brother's manipulations oft enough to know it left him feeling small and humiliated, which Lord Hrym would no doubt wish to escape as quickly as possible. Not to mention the man would need to break the bad news to his queen. The mere thought made Thor smile, it served Lord Hrym right for having dared to try and cross Ásgarðr and Loki. 'Twas a mistake both the man and Queen Sinmara were unlikely to soon forget.
When Lord Hrym turned to leave, Thor found himself following the eldþursar. He was not entirely certain why, other than that the man had attempted to take advantage of his little brother and he felt the old protective anger he always did when anyone threatened or harmed Loki. Or, well, at least when he had been aware of it anyway. 'Twas a sobering thought and it simply forced Thor to reiterate his promise from last night to himself as he left Valaskjálf. The one where he had sworn to be a better brother henceforth, as 'twas clear he had failed in that duty rather miserably, being completely unable to understand what was going on right before his eyes all of these centuries.
Today's events merely served to reinforce the need for his promise. 'Twas more than clear to him now that Ásgarðr's enemies, both internal and external, were determined to capitalize on their perceived weakness. It made all of Father's warnings before his coronation real in a way the words themselves had not, and Thor could well recollect what Father had said their best defense was.
Unity. Family.
He still did not particularly like how Father had looked at Loki when he had said it, but Thor now understood the words far better. His friends' actions, not to mention Heimdallr's, had made it more than clear that family was all they could truly trust in such a desperate time. It truly shamed him to think of how Loki had been forced to face so much of it alone already. Well, that ended now. He would stand by his brother until Father recovered enough for both him and Mother to do so as well. And not only would he do so, but he would do it as Loki wished for it to be; for it had become more than clear to him he still had a lot to learn when it came to kingship and, much as he hated to admit it, leadership in general.
Thor was so focused on both his thoughts and shadowing Lord Hrym that, at first, he was completely unaware of the swell of seiðr all around him. By the time he did become aware of it, 'twas crawling up his arms and dancing all around him.
"By the Nine," Thor breathed, eyes wide as he watched it dance over his fingers, the bluish white of lightning, before his armor began to reform around him and he felt his power and immortality return, swelling up within him.
Thor laughed aloud in relief and joy before his eyes widened and he looked down the corridor towards the palace entrance and, beyond that, the Bifröst. Despite knowing she was on Miðgarðr, he could feel Mjǫllnir in that direction and, as soon as he called for her, he felt her respond as she rushed towards him. How?
Höðr, Thor realized with a smile. It had to be. The gatekeeper must have witnessed what was occurring and opened the Bifröst, allowing Mjǫllnir to return the fast way rather than needing to travel the cosmic distance between Miðgarðr and Ásgarðr to reach him. Holding out his hand, it felt like both an eternity and no time at all until Mjǫllnir returned back to his palm, right where she belonged. Holding her had never felt so good, but then he had never truly been separated from her like this before, not with her unresponsive to him rather than his being unable to will her back to him.
The commotion around him brought Thor back to the present and he shook himself free from the lingering sentiment. He had no time for it, not when he had a very important task to do.
With that, Thor turned his back on Lord Hrym and marched right back to Valaskjálf.
The feelings of elation, victory and vicious joy still sang through Loki as Lord Hrym fled Valaskjálf and he accepted the congratulations of those present.
"Very well played, my Liege," Lord Aðalgrímr said, rolling up their copy of the trade agreement.
"Thank you," Loki replied, ere his eyes fell on the original negotiating team. Much as he wished to claim all of the glory, he had been on the other end of such actions far too often to be able to ignore how it felt. "But all of the difficult groundwork was already laid by your team."
The looks of surprise which crossed the faces of the two lords, and the gratitude on Lady Gefjon's face, was enough for Loki to know he had done the right thing. The look of pride on Lord Aðalgrímr's face helped too.
"Your Majesty," one of the seneschals said, appearing by his side.
"Hmm?" Loki inquired.
"There have been some questions as to whether you will be taking petitions."
Oh. He had not been planning to, but the High Council meeting had already been interrupted.
"Aye, I will take a few," Loki replied, before he turned to Lord Aðalgrímr. "Please inform the rest of the Council to utilize the time to look over the draft treaty. I will be able to deal with any other matters later this afternoon."
"Of course, my King," Lord Aðalgrímr bowed and moved off.
Loki took more congratulations as he moved back to Hliðskjálf. He had only just taken his seat and motioned to the seneschal when a commotion from the far end of Valaskjálf caught his attention. He could immediately see his guard stiffen and he had to wonder what had transpirednow.
"Is anyone willing to entertain a guess as to who this might be?" Loki queried Huginn and Muninn. "Vanaheimr mayhap? Or, nay, we have not yet heard from Svartálfaheimr."
"The dead do not come visit the living in another Realm," Muninn retorted, coming to stand by his hand once more.
"Are you quite certain of that? With the way my reign has progressed thus far?"
"Good point."
Loki was debating whether to swat Muninn when the people crowding near the door of Valaskjálf moved enough and he could see his brother striding down the corridor and into the hall. He tried not to stiffen in his seat as he caught sight of first Mjǫllnir, and then the armor. So, Thor had finally learned Óðinn's lesson and been restored to full power.
Perfect.
He wondered if 'twas a sign of madness, just how sarcastic his own mental voice sounded.
Loki cast the thought aside as he tightened his hold on Gungnir and began to collect his wounded seiðr to himself. Though he would dearly like to think all would be well from Thor's apology earlier, he knew better than to rely on it; not with how mercurial his brother could be. What surprised him, though, was the sudden tension he could sense from his personal guard. That they would be aware of the potential danger here did not startle him as they had been present for his brother's temper tantrums, but the fact they were so clearly on his side did. Being loyal and obedient to him before had been one thing, being so now when the intended heir and favorite was present and restored was another, and the relief Loki felt was indescribable.
He was well aware he was no one's favorite, particularly not amongst the warriors. Thus, he was glad some, at least, would not hesitate to obey proper law and protocol.
The noise in Valaskjálf quieted to a whisper as Thor approached, marching right up to the base of the stairs leading to Hliðskjálf. Then, and only then, did his brother look up at him and Loki's breath caught at the sheer look of determination Thor displayed. Slowly and deliberately, his brother then shifted Mjǫllnir to his left hand before raising his right hand, clenching it into a fist, and knelt.
"My King," Thor said loudly and clearly, his voice ringing through Valaskjálf.
The relief which shot through Loki was immense and immediate, fueling his high from earlier.
"Prince Thor," Loki acknowledged, deliberately using his brother's title to ensure there was no doubt about his acceptance of Thor's return to full power, and his place within his government.
With a small gesture, Loki motioned his brother forward and Thor rose and quickly climbed the stairs to take his usual place to the right, and slightly, behind Hliðskjálf. It put his brother out of his view, but luckily all of his doubts had vanished with Thor's little display of fealty. His brother did not have it in him to do so if his plan was to betray him. Nay, now he had to focus on ensuring he did not give anyone cause to doubt this was anything but wished for.
Towards that end, Loki glanced over to the entrance of Valaskjálf, and he was not surprised to find Lord Hrym standing upon the threshold, observing. Loki raised an eyebrow, as if questioning whether the representative had more business. He knew Lord Hrym did not, but it served to make the man bow and leave. He would take word of what he had seen back to Queen Sinmara, but that was exactly what Loki wanted the eldþursar to do as it would make the múspellsmegir far less likely to try anything else. Not after their first sound defeat and the fact Ásgarðr would now be perceived as that much stronger with the full return of its crown prince. It irked Loki a little, but it would not prevent him from utilizing the opportunity presented fully.
Besides, he was in control now and Thor would have to respect that - at least publicly - unless his brother wished to make lifeverydifficult for both of them. And what better way to drive that point home than to make Thor stand where he was until lunch, while Loki dealt with those who wished to petition him? 'Twas a duty his brother had always despised.
"You did that on purpose," Thor accused as soon as they left Valaskjálf through the rear door.
"I am certain I have no idea what you mean," Loki replied, though his lips twitched and he glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye.
"Nay, of course not," Thor groaned. "I hate petitions."
"Then be thankful you were able to phase them out," Loki retorted, the guilty look which flashed across his brother's face confirming his suspicions.
"How did you know?" Thor demanded. "I was behind you!"
Loki laughed and looked at his brother properly before replying. "A king-"
"Never reveals his secrets, aye, I know," Thor finished one of Óðinn's favorite sayings to them when they were children. "Pest."
"Oaf," Loki shot right back.
'Twas a familiar exchange from back when they were both underage and the familiarity of it felt good now.
"Lunch?" Thor asked, and Loki followed his brother's gaze to find Livunn had appeared.
"Aye," Loki said. "I was thinking we should have it with Mother, let her know you are restored."
"Good idea," Thor replied. "Outside, in the gardens?"
"Hmm, could you arrange it, please, Livunn?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Livunn said at once. "Shall I send word to the queen?"
"Please," Thor answered, linking his arm with Loki's. "Come, Brother, you could use some sunlight while we wait. You have been indoors too long."
This too was familiar, but as a complaint. Despite that, Loki merely rolled his eyes and allowed himself to be led.
"I did have a few minor items to take care of," he protested, lightheartedly.
"Aye, but you could have done some of it outdoors," Thor responded. "Like the negotiations, for instance. I am certain Laufey would not have nitpicked nearly as much had he been in the sun the whole time."
Loki laughed despite himself.
"Though I suppose a puddle cannot sign a treaty," Thor mused. "So we would have been in trouble had he melted."
"Thor!" Loki protested. "The jötnar do not melt."
"Are we certain? Laufey looked like he might."
His birth father was probably cold hearted enough for it, but melting implied a softening andthatLoki could definitely not see happening. Not after all he had learned of the jötunn.
"Hmm, I am certain," Loki stated, seeking to direct the conversation away from its current topic. "But I do know what will melt immediately after lunch."
"I dread to ask."
"Your brain, when you read the draft treaty."
Thor groaned as predicted and Loki was pretty certain he would not need to worry about mention of Laufey coming up during lunch.
"I hate you," Thor declared.
"You still need to read the draft," Loki laughed.
"But why?"
"Beyond ensuring you do not break it again? How about because you will need to abide by, and defend, it when you are king."
"How is it you can bounce from the mischief you cause to such logic and back again?" Thor questioned.
"Because being predictable is boring."
And chaos could hardly remain chaotic if it never changed. True chaos was calm and ordered at times. That could be chaotic if not expected.
"That is one thing I believe we can safely say you are not, Brother!" Thor laughed.
"What? Predictable or boring?"
"Both."
"Good."
As they had gone for the private part of the gardens belonging to the royal family, 'twas actually rather jarring to have his ever-present shadows with him, but Loki brushed it off and leaned Gungnir against the table before placing his headpiece beside it. He then turned around, sat on the table, and scooted back until he could easily lie down on the surface. He hummed in satisfaction as he closed his eyes and basked in simply lying there, doing nothing.
Thor's laugh came from near his head a moment later. "Comfortable, Brother?"
"Hmm," Loki replied a little louder than before, not opening his eyes.
A shadow passed across his face before disappearing and, from the sound, he guessed Thor had taken a seat beside him.
"It feels good to be restored," his brother said.
"I can image," Loki replied, shuddering at the thought of being without his seiðr, even with how much it hurt at present.
Ásgarðr felt like a big, lazy cat at the back of his mind, preening and cozying in the sunlight much like him. Mother Winter, meanwhile, felt oddly happy, excited almost in a way, and strangely satisfied. He was not quite certain how long she had been thus as he had been rather distracted, but he would not be surprised if it had been ever since he had routed Múspellsheimr's attempt to entrap him. The jötnar and múspellsmegir were ancient opposites and enemies, so it would make sense for Mother Winter to be reveling in his victory over them.
"Mother," Thor suddenly said, rising to his feet.
"Hello, Thor, I- oh," Frigga's voice drifted over to where Loki lay. "Congratulations, Thor!"
"Thank you, Mother," Thor replied, moving over to her if the dropping of his voice was any indication.
Loki gave it a moment before he opened his eyes and half rolled to look over at them.
"Hello, Mother," Loki greeted as she pulled away from Thor.
"Loki," Frigga replied, glancing over at him.
He gave her a bright smile when she raised a disapproving eyebrow at his position, which merely caused her to shake her head.
"We are nearly as much in private as I can be at present," Loki replied by way of excuse. "And it has been a long morning."
"Well, I already know of one thing which happened today," Mother said, running a hand over Thor's arm. "What else occurred?"
"Múspellsheimr sent a representative," Thor explained.
"Oh?"
"Hmm, they wished to trick me into signing a trade agreement with highly inflated prices," Loki explained.
Frigga laughed. "I am certain it did not work as they had hoped."
"Nay," Loki answered simply, knowing Thor would be more than happy to step in and explain.
His brother did not disappoint.
"You should have seen him, Mother," Thor began. "He allowed Lord Hrym to dig himself in further and further, before showing he was aware of the agreed upon figures from the start."
Loki rolled onto his back once more and closed his eyes, letting his brother's words wash over him and basking in the satisfaction of having been able to cause the upset and chaos to Lord Hrym and Queen Sinmara's plan that he had. The yoyoing emotions of the court had also been delightful, even if the lack of trust it implied irked him somewhat. But Loki was not terribly surprised by it either, since his skills and talents had so oft been ignored or derided, he would have been astonished if they had not caught people by surprise.
He was brought out of his reverie by the sound of his mother's voice, which was a lot closer than before.
"Hmm?" he questioned, opening his eyes to look into her amused ones.
"I said it sounds like you taught Múspellsheimr the cost of underestimating you," Frigga said.
Her grin was sharp and proud, and Loki responded in kind, enjoying the moment of connection. In a way, 'twas a victory for her too, as she had been the one to teach him the art and joys of using pretty words and surface politeness to draw someone into a trap.
"Well played," Frigga praised, before she smacked his shoulder. "Now off the table."
"Mother," Loki protested, pouting at her.
He was not certain where the impulse came from, but 'twas suddenly there, strong and fierce and all he wished to do was curl up in her arms and forget the events from the last ten days had transpired. So he could pretend he truly was her son and not some-
The pain was hot, sharp and familiar by now, but what made him nearly flinch was the frustration and anger Mother Winter flooded him with, though he had the oddest impression the anger was not directed at him. It only served to make him want to curl into his mother's touch and warmth even more.
Something must have shown, as Frigga's face softened but, as ever, she proved she knew him better than almost anyone else when her stance and tone did not alter.
"Loki, I know I taught you better manners than this," she stated.
Loki pouted a moment longer before giving in and rolling off the table and onto his feet, catching sight of Thor's surprised face as he did so.
"What?" he asked his brother.
"You are king," Thor stated, clearly perplexed.
"She is still my mother," Loki replied, not realizing until he said it how very true 'twas.
Aye, he was still furious with her for having kept the truth of his heritage and very species from him, but Loki knew now he would nevernotbe able to see her as his mother. Now Óðinn on the other hand...
The smile Frigga gave him was radiant and made it all the more noticeable how much her expression darkened when she turned her attention to Thor.
"Are you implying you will no longer listen to me when you are king?" Frigga asked.
"I... Uh, Mother!" Thor sputtered.
"Well? 'Tis not like I am asking your brother to alter an important policy, or influence him about a key decision," Mother replied. "I was merely urging him off the table."
"I-" Thor began, before his eyes lit up. "Oh, look, lunch is here!"
Loki laughed at the entirely blatant attempt to change the conversation, but he knew Frigga would allow it as she had already made her point. Still smiling, he took a seat at the table. While he knew they would not have long, 'twas nice to sit down with his mother and brother before going back to work.
